Whether it’s a blissful burger, tasty sandwich or terrific taco, fast food feels good. And that’s why it’s so popular. But not all fast food restaurants are created equal. A few are a cut above the rest, with menu options that are better for you and a dining experience that is a welcome change from the drive-thrus.

Amid the advent of America’s highway system, fast food restaurants rose to prominence as a convenient pairing with the nation’s on-the-go lifestyle. As the industry evolved, fast food chains expanded their reach to every corner of the country and even jumped the proverbial ocean. The best fast food restaurants today satisfy Americans’ on-the-go tastes with high-quality ingredients and a hefty helping of flavor.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is a chain with limited menu options that doesn’t shy away from focusing on the fundamentals. The chain serves up first-rate chicken fingers and a signature tangy sauce that has fans hooked. The chain is a big hit in the South and the Midwest.

Chipotle is a Tex-Mex chain that stands a few steps above Taco Bell, with an emphasis on customization over prefabricated kitchen lab oddities. And its success has spawned many imitators that are trying to mimic the magic of this cult-favorite. best fast food restaurants